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Professional NFL Kicker David Akers Reflects on His Global University Experience

Spotlight on Professional NFL Kicker David Akers, Global
University Alumnus

By Erin Hedlun, Director of Communications and Marketing for Global University

Practice kicks.
Running drills. Weight lifting. Field goal unit timing. These are all crucial
elements in preparation for a big game. For NFL kicker David Akers, these are
only a part of his preparation routine. Another aspect to “shaping up” for the
game involves time spent studying God’s Word, daily prayer and a focus on the
ultimate win – living a life that is pleasing to God and attracts others to
Him. Akers life is multi-faceted. Time spent playing the game he loves –
football – in front of thousands of fans in brightly lit stadiums, and time
spent preaching God’s word in front of thousands of congregants in local
churches throughout the nation.

David Akers grew up as what most would consider an ‘All American’ boy –
rugged good looks, a passion for sports, son to a local principal and teacher. Born
and raised in Kentucky,
he would go on to attend the University of Louisville, KY, where he stood out
as a football phenom. Signed as an undrafted free agent into the NFL with the
Atlanta Falcons in 1997, Akers had a belief in God, but was lacking a personal
relationship with Him. David married Erika in 1997and life seemed happy. However,
after a brief stint playing for the NFL in Europe in 1999, David was sidelined
by a sever case of food poisoning and found himself quarantined in an East
Berlin hospital with no access to media or communications outlets. He found a
way to pass the time by reading books, a surprising new interest for this self
proclaimed “reading hater”.

After his recovery and return home, then in Atlanta, GA, his wife introduced
him to the “Left Behind” book series, written by authors Tim LaHaye and Jerry B
Jenkins – a fictional account of the Tribulation and surrounding world events.
David hungrily devoured the pages of each book, often looking up related
Biblical passages, and finding himself growing more and more hungry for the
Word of God. One verse turned into two, one chapter turned into a whole book,
and eventually David had read the entire Bible, and felt transformed by the
life changing truths within. This experience changed his life, and most importantly,
his heart. He felt renewed with a call to use his platform of professional
sports to bring His light into dark places.

David developed a ministry, entitled ‘David Akers Ministry’, and through connections
at his local church, Marlton Assembly of God, Marlton, NJ,
David began traveling to various church events, district events, youth retreats
and services ministering the word of God and sharing his testimony. During this
time, David also participated in many Bible Study groups among his like-minded
teammates during the football season, and developed life-long friendships with
fellow players who also shared his beliefs.

Though a professional athlete, David’s life was not without trouble. He
experienced several moves across the country as his contract with the
Philadelphia Eagles ended and he signed on with the San Francisco 49ers, where he remained for
two seasons until being released and joining the Detroit Lions in 2013. He
suffered a heavy financial loss as he fell victim to a Ponzi scheme through Triton
Financial, and experienced a medical scare as his daughter, Halley, had a
cancerous tumor surgically removed in 2011. He has encountered first hand the
difficulties of selling a home during the housing market crash, and the
unforeseen expense of extensive home repairs. However, through it all, David’s
eyes remain fixed on the One Above, and he is able to experience joy even in
the midst of frustration and trials.

To increase the legitimacy of David’s ministry endeavors, he began
researching online universities through which he could receive Biblical
training to become a licensed minister. While reviewing many options, he was
presented with the offerings of Global
University’s Berean School
of the Bible, and he recounts, “Many of the institutions that I looked into had
astronomically high price tags attached. As I reviewed what Global University
had to offer, I was shocked at the affordability of the courses, as well as the
flexibility of the schedule. I could travel all over the country while I was
playing ball, and fit in my studies when I had time, regardless of what city I
happened to touch down in that night. It was the absolute best option for my
busy life.”

David completed Berean courses and was able to receive official licensed
credentials in May of 2013. David states, “The service projects that are
required for each of the Berean courses were the most enjoyable aspect of my Global University
studies. I am heavily involved in the Christian music industry, and as one such
project, I set up a large concert outreach involving several well-known
Christian music artists. This made a huge impact on my community and I know
many lives were transformed that evening. This was a required service learning
project, but it was much bigger than that – it was a way to use the knowledge I
received through my Berean courses to practically reach my city for God’s
glory.”

Though David and his family are facing the uncertainty of an unknown future
as they move to Nashville, TN, one thing is clear – David knows who
holds the future. “God has brought my family and me through so many unique
experiences over the last decade. He has never forsaken us and has always provided
peace and comfort through our journey. We will continue leaning on Him as we
dive into what 2014 has for us. A life well lived for Jesus is always an
adventure,” reflects David.

About Global University

Global University
is a fully accredited nonprofit Christian
University, in the Pentecostal
tradition, based out of Springfield,
Missouri. As a worldwide online
and distance education pioneer, the university integrates education and service
through a network in 150 countries, including the United States. Its three main
languages of instruction are English, Spanish and French for undergraduate
programs.